Stayed 6 days in July 2008. Picked up at the Airport by Riads brand new Nissan 4 x 4. Then our luggage was transfered through the crowded streets of the old town by a man with a large handcart. We were unprepared for the press of humanity. We fringed the main square, up a side street then 20 yards down an even narrower street ,by then feeling anxious.The Riad's door was opened and we entered a beautiful tranquil world, a complete contrast to the street just outside. The riad is simply beautiful, built round a central courtyard and fountain. The staff were attentive but not intrusive. We ate in the Riad for breakfast and twice for dinner - the food was excellent. The owner Eric and his wife appeared periodically and were always very helpful with advice on for example places to eat, visit and on shopping.
As the Riad was relatively quiet we were upgraded (free of charge) to a suite. It was very hot outside but the suite's air conditioning was effective. In the heat of the afternoon, 42 centigrade one day the roof top plunge pool jacuzzi was excellent.
Highly recommended overall

After suffering problems with both Expedia & Lastminute.com, my wife & I (both early 30s) decided to give the package operators a miss and book directly with a hotel. We chose the Riad Maipa after reading reviews on this site, and then contacted Eric directly by phone (his English was rather better than my French).

Everything went very smoothly: the reservation was very easily arranged with a small deposit, and Eric arranged transport from the airport with his driver. Entering Marrakech from the airport and then walking down the narrow streets to the entrance, my heart sank as we saw the scruffy alleyway and the door into the Riad; but appearances can be deceiving, and upon stepping through the doorway, we were greeted with the wonderful, clean tranquility of the Riad itself. The room was fantastic, and Eric and the other staff went out of their way to be helpful.

However, my reason for not awarding this 5 stars is the noise. Although we were more or less the only guests staying in the Riad, it was often quite noisy, with the maids chattering as they breakfasted around 5 or 6am, and the phone ringing from about the same time every day. Fine if you are a very early riser, but otherwise quite annoying. I resorted to ear plugs on more than one occasion. However, my overall impression was good, and I would go back there.

Concerning Marrakech itself, look out for two things: Firstly, the pickpockets. Both my wife & I found foreign fingers in our pockets at least once - surprisingly, each time they were not small children but old women in traditional veils, who appeared the image of propriety. Secondly, beware locals offering you helpful directions: although the souks and old town are confusing, I found getting lost to be less irritating than 'helpful' locals who offered to escort you somewhere and then demanded payment for their services. On one occasion, despite my saying that I was not going to pay for a guide, a young man took it upon himself to accompany me around town, giving a running commentary, and then getting very cross indeed when I would not pay him for this, which left a very sour taste in the mouth. Be firm, and just tell them to sod off.

We stayed here, on the top floor, for a week in mid March 2008. Possibly too long for a small place like Marrakech, but very enjoyable. The Riad was good - nothing exceptional but friendly and helpful. All seemed clean, the food when we ate in seemed authentic, more so than the big restaurants. But food is not Moroccos strong point. The atmosphere in the Square, late at night, was incredible, as was the short walk up to it. This Riad is well placed, comfortable and well run. It was what we wanted.

Excellent Riad, rooms very comfortable with large ensuite shower. Owners and all staff very helpful. We had two excellent meals in the Riad and also tried two local restaurants. Breakfasts consisted of fruit juice, yoghurt and over the days we had pancakes, croissants and bread.
Good location as you are in walking distance of the main square and the souks. Plus walking distance to the open top bus and horse draw carriage rides. Difficult to fit in both tours on the open top bus unless you start off very early in the day. We were met by the hotel from the airport but it is possible to get a bus a number L19 all go to the Jemaa el Fna and this is 20 dirhams single.
Staying in this area of Marrakech you get a very different feel to staying in Gueliz. Do wander off the tourist trail, we did and you get a much better feel for how the people really live.
We did the trip,booked via the hotel to the Urilka valley, it may have been more expensive than a local taxi but we were happy with the service.